Champlain Marina was founded in 1945 by Ken Lonergan. It was originally located in the Burlington, Vermont harbor until 1946 when, after another spring flood, Ken decided to relocate to Colchester, Vermont. 

He had found an apple orchard which was sloping down a gentle hill to a cove protected from the winds on three sides. That is the place where he built the marina and is still located today. 

Ken sold the marina in 1980 to fifty shareholders, almost all of whom are active boaters at the marina, who have managed the marina since. Since 1980, the marina has been expanded periodically and continues to be updated on an annual basis.